Anika and Keely have adjusted to a new normal in their life. These sisters have been both support and inspiration for their mother Shannon Riddle who has been battling stage four breast cancer since 2009.
Shannon said, "The most difficult thing was just probably telling them, but they were young and that's kind of why I wrote the book."
Feeling frustrated with the lack of guidance available on how to communicate with her kids about her diagnoses Shannon took matters into her own hands and wrote "It's Ok, Mama Has Cancer."
Shannon explained, "I immediately said I want no other mom to go through this, and that's why I wrote the book."
The book was written from her oldest daughter Anika's point of view, and it shares how Shannon and her girls dealt with the changes in their life. One part of the book shares the moment Shannon started losing her hair. They had a shaving party and gave Shannon a mohawk.
"I want them to remember mom laughing," said Shannon. "If this is my last day what are they going to remember?"
Shannon credits her positive outlook to her commitment to her journey. She said, "God has me on this plan and I am just trying to follow it."
A journey that continues to bring challenges. She is currently undergoing another round of chemo and alternative treatments to fight brain tumors. Her girls continue to keep a positive outlook.
Keely said, "I pray that her cancer goes away, but it can't really so like that she would recover from her treatments."
And enjoying every moment they have with their mother.
